CCSO Searching For Man Facing Drug Charges

The Cocke County Sheriff’s office is searching for a man who is facing drug charges. The incident began when deputies were called to a car accident on Old Sevierville Highway on Saturday. One of the subjects in the wrecked car stated that their dog had jumped from the backseat to the front seat causing the driver to lose control and go off into the ditch. The male subject in that vehicle originally told police that his name was John James Delton out of South Carolina, but police could fine no record of that person. Another individual then identified the man as 58 year old James Martin of Newport. A search of the vehicle turned up both methamphetamine and cocaine. Martin was transported to the Newport Medical Center for a health condition, but escaped from the hospital. Authorities believe he may have been picked up by a friend or family member. Warrants have been issued for his arrest.